How cells know when to divide based on their size
Scaling of transcript abundance with cell size and the commitment to cell division
This research explores how cells sense their size to decide when to divide, a process that is often disrupted in diseases like cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135516 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
All cells need to reach a certain size before they can split into two new cells, which helps them maintain a healthy size and coordinate growth. We don't fully understand how cells measure their size or why this minimum size is so important for division. Our previous work found that as yeast cells grow, some genes that encourage cell division become more concentrated, while genes that stop division become less concentrated. This suggests that cells might use this changing balance of gene activity to decide when they are ready to divide. This project will test these ideas to better understand this fundamental process.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients interested in the basic biological mechanisms underlying diseases like cancer, rather than direct clinical participation.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trial opportunities would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding how cells control their size and division could lead to new ways to target uncontrolled cell growth, such as in cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this research team has already shown promising findings regarding how gene expression scales with cell size in yeast.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Futcher, Bruce Bruce — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Futcher, Bruce Bruce
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.